
The Šumava is the most extensive forest ecosystem in central Europe and the last remaining nesting place of the capercaillie in the Czech Republic. It is also home to the three-toed woodpecker, pygmy owl, tengmalm’s owl, as well as many other rare mountain species. Thanks to this uniqueness, the Šumava has been classified as a Special Protected Area within the Natura 2000 network. The forests of the Šumava are currently under serious attack from the bark beetle. This insect is, however, a natural part of mountain ecosystems and does not represent an artificial threat requiring any external or man-made intervention. This particular fact has been scientifically documented on many occasions (as evidenced by the letter on this matter signed by dozens of scientists from the Czech Republic and abroad).